Hugo's European Car Service

Serving Encinitas For Over 40 Years

Hugo's Exclusively Services:

Our Mission:

QUALITY SERVICE at
COMPETITIVE PRICES

Welcome to Hugo's European Car Service. Serving Encinitas since 1977, we work exclusively on Audi, BMW, Mini Cooper, Volkswagen and Volvo. This allows us to stay informed and up-to-date with today's advanced automotive technology.

Our team of dedicated technicians use the latest tools and diagnostic equipment to service and repair your vehicle.

We're here to help. With everything from regularly-scheduled maintenance to engine and transmission replacements, our knowledgeable technicians have both the expertise and experience to keep your precision-engineered European vehicle in top shape.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call today!

We Specialize in a Variety of Auto Repair Services

From factory scheduled maintenance to troubleshooting and repairs, your vehicle is in good hands with the experienced technicians at Hugo's. Our work starts with an accurate diagnosis and ends with quality, professional service – always.

General Maintenance

Tune-Ups

Transmission Fluid Service

Power Steering / Accessory Repair

Belt and Hose Replacement

Fluid Leaks

Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair

Exhaust Systems and Mufflers

Clutch Diagnosis and Repair

Computer Diagnostics

Axle Repair and Replacement

Shocks, Struts and Suspensions

General Maintenance

Tune-Ups

Transmission Fluid Service

Power Steering / Accessory Repair

Belt and Hose Replacement

Fluid Leaks

Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair

Exhaust Systems and Mufflers

Clutch Diagnosis and Repair

Computer Diagnostics

Axle Repair and Replacement

Shocks, Struts and Suspensions

Oil and Filter Service // Full Vehicle Inspection

Having your oil changed regularly is the simplest way to maintain your vehicle's health. Keeping your engine lubricated and free of debris can add years to the life of your vehicle. Here at Hugo's European Car Service, we use the highest quality oil and filters available.We also provide a full vehicle inspection with every oil changeto ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and safe for the road.

Cooling System Repairs and Service

One of the most important things to have regularly inspected and maintained is your vehicle's engine cooling system. A failure of one of these components could not only leave you stranded on the side of the road, but it could also cause catastrophic engine failure due to overheating. When you bring your car to Hugo's European Car Service, we will visually inspect and pressure test your vehicle's cooling system to pinpoint any problems in these components. Whether it's hose assemblies, connectors or radiators, we'll find the faulty components and repair the problem. Once repairs are completed we'll pressure test and reinspect the system to ensure your safely back on the road.

Battery and Alternator Service

Modern vehicles can also have as many as 40 computer modules at work, even when your car is off. With an average lifespan of 4-7 years, car batteries are often forgotten about until the day your car won't start. Here at Hugo's we can test your battery to ensure it can still hold a charge. We'll also test your vehicle's alternator and charging system to see that your battery is being charged at the proper level. Some cars, like BMW models, require what is called a “registration” process where the cars computer system is reset and reinitialized so that it's properly calibrated for the new battery. Failure to do this process can not only cause premature battery failure, it can also cause problems in your car's computer system.

Air Conditioning Diagnosis and Repair

Although the primary reason for Air Conditioning system issues is low refrigerant, there are many other components that could cause a malfunction. Based on the problems you are experiencing, Hugo's European Car Service can diagnose and repair your vehicle's air conditioning system. The expert technicians at Hugo's can pinpoint the problem and repair the system to keep your vehicle's passenger compartment cool in Southern California's summer heat.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis and Repair

The Check Engine Light is a message from your vehicle's computer telling you that there is a malfunction in one of the emission control system components. There are thousands of things that could cause your car to trigger the Check Engine Light, ranging from something as simple as a loose gas cap to deeper mechanical issues. The technicians at Hugo's have the equipment and knowledge to accurately diagnose and repair the issue, generally within the same day.

Brake Inspection and Repair

Your vehicle's brake system should be inspected and serviced regularly to ensure that your vehicle will stop effectively and safely. If you're experiencing squeaking or grinding brakes, a spongy or sinking brake pedal, reduced stopping power or brake system warnings, the technicians at Hugo's can diagnose the problem and repair and replace brake pads, brake pad sensors, brake rotors and other brake system components.

Address:

110 North Coast Highway 101 // Encinitas, California 92024

About Hugo's

Proudly serving Encinitas since 1977, Hugo's European Car Service is a family-owned and operated business.

Hugo's was founded in 1977 by Master Mechanic Hugo Hahn, now happily retired.

The business is currently owned and operated by Rick St. John, who began as a shop apprentice with Hugo's in 1983 and assumed ownership in 2004.

What Our Customers Think:

Rick, Adrian and crew have been servicing my 2004 BMW for 10 years. Rick is fair, honest and trustworthy. With their help and advice, it has now become a "classic" car that I am happy to keep and maintain. I can always depend on getting my car repaired properly with Rick. He is a real gem and I recommend him highly!

- Barbara B., La Jolla, CA

I had a flat. Went to a "tire" store. Should have known better. The guy comes back after 15 minutes with that look - the "this is going to cost you" look. He tells me I need about $5000 worth of service - immediately on a car with 150,000 miles.

Then I went to Hugo’s and found out I just needed new brakes. Had them done in an hour. There is something about expertise that is just dying in this country and that is why Hugo’s is so refreshing. I know that they operate with integrity, imagine that? I was greeted warmly and set at ease. They understand their position as experts and don't abuse that knowledge but help you to understand your car and give you the best advice and service for a fair price. They have my business for life.

- William L., San Diego, CA

Everything I could hope for in a local import repair shop - the staff is super responsive and respectful, and the work gets done right at a fair price. I highly recommend this place (especially if you have a Volvo)!

- Dan C., Encinitas, CA

The absolute best place to get your VW fixed. I got at least 3 quotes for a very tricky job that I needed done on our VW. The quotes were everywhere on the map from $250 - $3,500+! As soon as I walked into Hugo’s I knew it was the right place. Adrian who runs the front of the shop was knowledgeable and friendly. Rick, the mechanic came out to chat with me about the issue and put my mind at ease about the scope of work and cost. I felt so comfortable. We dropped the car off and they did exactly what they said they would do for the price we were quoted! The place is spotless and even the bathroom is nice!! The car runs like a dream now and we feel great knowing that we have somewhere that we trust to go to if we need any repairs in the future. Thank you Hugo’s!

- Roxanne S., Encinitas, CA

If you are looking for a professional, honest car repair with people who know what they are doing, this is it. There is never any selling you something you do not need and if they find something you did not know about you get a straight answer on how serious it is and what are the options.

- Dave C., San Diego, CA

THE most trustworthy, competent, nice people to deal with. I would keep owning BMWs just to know Rick and his team were there to provide worry-free service on the car. I've been a customer for 10 years.

- Don L., Encinitas, CA

When I moved to San Diego I needed a mechanic for my Volvo S60. I found Hugos from Yelp. I have been going to Hugo’s ever since. Rick, the owner is honest, fair, and makes my safety a priority. Rick uses genuine Volvo parts just like the dealerships. Compare the prices to the Dealer and you will be amazed how much you will save. Don't waste your money at the dealer. If you want someone you can trust then go to Hugo’s.

- Dezzy N., San Marcos, CA

I can't thank these guys enough for being nice people and for running a great shop. I had a VW with quite a few miles on it (over 120k), and being a cheap son of a gun I wanted to get as many out of it as I could.

The people at Hugos always were and are: timely, honest, friendly, and up front about cost. Prices were always fair, and they never try to pull any upsell nonsense or anything like that. They want to fix your car and get you back on the road because they like what they do.

Thanks guys, I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years. I have another VW with a 5 year warranty on it so I probably won't see you in that capacity any time soon, but I will swing by with some beers for you guys at some point as a token of appreciation.

- Matt V., Carlsbad, CA

Having recently relocated to North San Diego County, I was not sure who the local "Volvo Whisperer" was. When I was at the Carlsbad Volvo dealer earlier this month, the customer attuned salesperson there mentioned that Hugo's was an excellent Volvo mechanic here in the North County, I was delighted. I called and made an appointment for routine 75K maintenance, and they got me in a few days later.

I left Hugo's a very detailed list of things I wanted checked (as an engineer, lists are a habit of mine) along with the 75K maintenance. To a letter, Hugo's executed my list, and found front bushings worn - which wasn't on my list or the 75K inspection - which would lead to increased brake pad and tire wear... BOTH of which I had been seeing in the last year! Before attempting the bushing repair Hugo's called me to OK it, and they completed all the work within a single day. I spoke with Rick the owner about the factory plugs I'd had them change, and he's not only an excellent mechanic but a nice guy as well.

Reasonably priced, meets their promises, friendly, thorough, detailed, local... Hugo's is awesome. You could go to the dealer or Pep Boys and pay more, wait longer, and not be confident it was done right, or you could choose Hugo's. I'll be back to Hugo's for all of Volvo maintenance.

- Jozef V., Carlsbad, CA

What you've read is completely true. Just took my 2007 BMW 335 in to get some suspension work done and they were done in just a few hours. I wish I found these guys sooner! Taking your BMW to a dealer is absolute insanity. The pricing alone should make you come here instead of there. Plus, the people are a lot nicer. I will be taking my ride here from now on!